Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-2026

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance, particularly within Enterobacterales, is rapidly becoming a global threat to public health and safety. Currently, surveillance and prevention are the two most effective tools we have in reducing the deaths caused by drug resistant infections, however there are serious gaps in surveillance, particularly in the American Desert Southwest. Here, I utilize whole genome sequencing and computational genomics tools to gain insight into the species and strains of Klebsiella aerogenes and the Enterobacter cloacae complex that are circulating throughout Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as investigate the prevalence and spread of antimicrobial resistance genes. Additionally, I identify novel mutations that are potentially conferring intrinsic resistance to our current antimicrobial therapeutics. Overall, the work here provides actionable data for public health workers to determine whether current treatment and prevention protocols are effective, while providing a foundation for future drug targets while we attempt to stay ahead in this evolutionary arms race.

Keywords

Klebsiella aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae complex, Antimicrobial resistance, bacterial genomics, molecular epidemiology

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Biomedical Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

First Committee Member (Chair)

Kathryn Frietze

Second Committee Member

Daryl Domman

Third Committee Member

Meghan Brett

Fourth Committee Member

Amer El Ghali

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Available for download on Tuesday, May 16, 2028

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